How to Choose the Best Bunk Bed Design
Bunk beds provide a comfortable and space-efficient way to sleep in kids' rooms. They're also a great choice for guest rooms and vacation homes where ceilings are high, but the floor space is small.
The right combination of details transforms bunk beds into stylish sleeping areas. For instance, the bunks in this bedroom with an ocean theme are painted by hand using Porter's Paints 'Mariner' to complement the room's color palette.
Space-Saving
Whether they're used to sleep in a large family or two children in the same space, bunk beds save space by stacking one bed frame on top of another. This arrangement frees up floor space for play areas and furniture which makes it a perfect solution for cramped rooms or lofted areas that require more sleeping arrangements. Bunk beds are available in a variety of styles, from sleek modern metal to classic wood designs. They also come with an inbuilt staircase that reduces the footprint of the structure. A curved ladder is a fun alternative for those with small bedrooms, while an integrated set of steep stairs is perfect for homes with limited storage space.
Bunk beds can be a part of a room's aesthetic, too when you select the right color palette and styling. Neutral colors such as navy and light grey are stylish options for bunk beds. If you want to add a bit of design, you can dress up the neutral color scheme by adding themed decor. For example an area with a theme of adventure could be made to look like a woodland hideout or a space inspired by clouds. If you're looking to add a little color, choose brighter shades for top bunk, and lighter shades for the bottom bunks.
When building a bunk room from scratch, it is important to take into consideration the impact of the layout of your space. Use blue painter's tape to draw out the silhouette of your bunk beds on the wall and then determine the distance between the beds and any fixed features like windows, closets, and doors. This will help you determine the size of the frame as well as how close it will be to the other furniture.
Once you've picked a design for your bunk that you like, think about adding additional functional features. For example Ms. Keenan often builds a reading light that has a switch inside every bunk. This allows every child to read in peace, without disturbing the person sitting on top. She also likes to add small ledges on each bunk, where kids can set books or glasses.
Comfortable Climbing
Even the most adventurous children will not sleep high up when climbing up and down feels a challenge or unsafe. Interior designer Brynne Flower, who is the founder of John Martine Salt Lake City, says that the most important thing to do is to make sure the bunk bed comes with a sturdy ladder tacked to the side. "Stairs aren't as efficient in space but they are the best safety feature for younger children."
A fixed ladder with simple rungs mounted to the side of the bunk is generally the safest choice. Angled ladders, which may be more attainable than straight ones, may be more suitable for older children and teens. Be sure to test out the bunk with blue painter's tape to see how close it comes to any fixed elements like windows or doors, and that there's enough space to move around.
A built-in ladder that runs underneath the mattress of the top and bottom levels or attaches to the bunk below is a excellent option. These are the biggest and secure, however they require more time to put up than the ladder that is able to stand on its own. "Look for stairs with wide, solid railings for stairways and a low, rounded step," advises child safety expert Dr. Moriarty, who also suggests bunk beds be supported by wood slats rather than wire or thin boards to avoid accidents.
Look for a bunk bed with an adjustable trundle. This lets you create an extra twin bed to accommodate guests or sleepovers, without taking up more space in the room. A trundle can only be used when the bunk at the bottom of your room is a twin.
Fenton and Alex Morris both love the Oeuf Perch Bunk. It is a contemporary option that can be transformed into a loft or it can also be used as a twin bed. Fenton describes it as the "heaviest" pick on our list. It's also "built to last." The sleek design is chic and doesn't feel babyish. It's also not too childish for teenagers. best loft bunk beds can be removed at any time if they decide that they don't need bunk beds.
Flexibility
There are many options to consider when making bunk beds. If you're designing a kid's room, a primary bedroom or guest room you can easily design these beds with style without sacrificing function. Bunk beds are a great way to create an eye-catching focal point, play area, or even a storage solution. Your bunk beds can be a statement piece, based on the overall design of your room.
Bunk beds are available in a range of styles, finishes colors, and materials. In fact, a variety of bunks are available in designs that range from bohemian, the beach and even moody. Choose a color theme or fabric and mix it with pillows, curtains, and artwork to give your children's bedroom an appearance that matches the personality of your child.
The ladder on a bunk bed could be a significant factor in the appearance of the room. Most bunk beds come with a fixed ladder. Some can be ordered with the ladder on either side of short end. Bunks with ladders at the shorter end can leave the lower bunk unlocked which makes it suitable for adults. It also provides the room with a minimalist appearance.
Another option is to think about a different shape for your bunks, for instance an L-shaped variant. They take up less area and are perfect for rooms with low ceilings, notes Gil. These bunks can be outfitted with a small desk beneath. This is a great option for kids who wish to study in bed.
If you prefer, you can opt for a custom-built bunk with stairs that are built into the sides of the frame. These types of bunks are often used in hotels and are considered the most "grown-up" option available on the market. They're incredibly sturdy and are available in a variety of colors from Room & Board.
There are also convertible bunks which can be converted from twin-overtwins to a full-size bed, or vice versa. These are a good option for older siblings that don't want to share their bedroom or parents who host guests.
Storage
Bunk beds can provide plenty of space for clothing and bedding, depending on their design. Choose designs that incorporate shelves or drawers that are built into the structure, or add standalone units to either side of the bunks. These are particularly useful in small rooms, as they maximize unused space without making the bunks appear tight or cluttered.
Some manufacturers have built-in storage in the bed, like this Oeuf Perch loft that has two large storage compartments on each side of the upper level. These designs are ideal for rooms with multiple siblings, as each kid can keep personal items close to hand and also help avoid the common piles of belongings.
Other clever bunk bed ideas In addition to shelves and drawers, include incorporating storage into headboards. Adding bins or baskets to the edges of the headboards keeps books in easy reach, which makes reading before bed much simpler and more enjoyable. This option is also great for bedrooms with shared spaces as it allows kids to keep their favorite titles easily accessible and organized.
Another option is to integrate an integrated ladder into the bunks. This eliminates the need for an additional piece of furniture, and gives it a more sleek appearance. However, it's important be aware that angled ladders can be more difficult for children who are younger to climb, so this kind of bunk is usually reserved for older kids or teenagers.
Bunk beds can be a great option for any space, even attics and bonus rooms that have odd shapes. In these spaces the custom-built bunk bed could be the best choice to create a functional and attractive bunk room. If you're planning to build the bunk from scratch, think about the height of your ceiling and what will be above it. A higher ceiling can allow for a higher-quality bunk, whereas a lower ceiling will limit the size of the bunk below it.
While the right bunk for the needs of a child will depend on their age, a bunk could be a great option for adults looking to reduce space and add a bit of style to a guest bedroom. This stylish Max & Lily bunk is available in many different colors and styles. It can also be split into a twin bed and a full bed. It's a great alternative to standard furniture for bedrooms.